INSPIRATION AND ADVICE

HOW WE DO: VANS TRAINERS

By Lakeisha Goedluck, 16 January 2018

When it comes to timeless skate steez, no one consistently brings the goods like Vans. Since its inception in 1966, the California-based brand has regularly delivered future-classic footwear silhouettes, and has wound up being championed by all manner of different subcultures – from indie kids to the streetwear savvy. And if you want to know how to style some of the label’s most enduring models, just check out the ’fits below for inspiration.

If you opt for an all-black ensemble, it’s only right to finish your look with corresponding creps – like a pair of classic Vans Authentic Plimsolls. Make like Jamie and start off your monochrome getup with a graphic-print T-shirt – style it with a simple gold chain to add some flavour to your 'fit without drawing attention away from your tee.

On your bottom half, go for loose-fitting trews to give your getup a relaxed vibe. Pop on your Vans Authentic trainers and wear with white socks so as not to disrupt the colour-averse aesthetic you’ve got going on.

What better to pair Vans Classic Slip-On plimsolls with than classic cuts? Go for traditional clothing tropes like Martin does here, and start off with a navy Breton-striped T-shirt.

A light-coloured denim shirt is an essential wardrobe staple – wear yours over the top of your tee to offset the darker tones of the rest of your look. Mirror your trainers and pick a pair of black straight-leg trews – roll the cuffs to show off your fresh footwear.

Retro trainer styles have received a lot of hype in the last year, so copping a pair of Vans Sk8-Hi shoes is a solid shout. To rock the old-school model right, team with some of this season’s biggest trends. As graphic-print garms aren’t going out of favour anytime soon, get off to a bold start with a black sweatshirt like Maggie and layer up with a Blade Runner-style longline translucent mac.

Camouflage print dominated at both Maharishi and Liam Hodges for AW17/18, so don a pair of relaxed trousers in the pattern on your bottom half to keep your look on point.

With sneakerhead culture seeping over into the mainstream fashion scene, a steezy pair of trainers can act as the defining feature of your ’fit. A much-coveted Vans silhouette is the checkerboard slip-on plimsoll – so, to make your standout footwear truly the focal point, keep the rest of your look understated.

As Leroy demonstrates here, go for staple pieces in black but experiment with textures to keep your look interesting. Wear a plain cotton tee with a shiny, high-collar bomber jacket over the top; down low, opt for a pair of relaxed-fit nylon joggers, and wear your trainers with black socks so that they fully make a statement.

Mid-January is usually pretty dark and dreary, so brightening things up a bit with your choice of creps is a solid decision. Vans Sk8-Hi trainers are just the style you need to add a fun throwback element – go for a pair with electric-blue accents to give your ’fit a bold finishing touch.

Pictures: ASOS

As for the rest of your arsenal, keep the colourful vibe going and experiment with 2018's tendency towards unusual combos, like Nic here. Teaming a flamingo-pink long-sleeved top with khaki-coloured work pants makes for a striking skate-inspired look that rips up the rule book in just the right way.